The trial of The Standard Editor Nevanji Madanhire and his former reporter Patience Nyangove and Alpha Media Holdings group human resources manager Loud Ramakgapola, charged with criminal defamation, hangs in the balance as the Supreme Court is yet to make a constitutional determination on the matter.
Madanhire, Nyangove and Ramakgapola are being charged with criminal defamation following the publication of a story in the weekly The Standard issue of June 26 – July 2 2011 titled: MDC-T fears for missing Timba.
The three briefly appeared at the Harare Magistrates Court on Wednesday and were remanded to December 4 this year as they wait for the Supreme Court ruling on the appeal.
In December last year, the three accused made an application in terms of Section 24(2) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, challenging the constitutionality of the charge.
The journalists argued that the charge infringed on the rights of the members of the Fourth State, who were expected to freely express themselves and disseminate information without fear or favour.
